Review: Murder on the Vine

Murder on the Vine by Jenna St. James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fun book this was to read! I love the characters and the setting so much! The mystery kept me in suspense of who was the murderer. I’m not the best at figuring out who done it because I get caught up in characters who are a hoot and just go along for the fun times! I’m looking forward to spending more time with the Sullivan Sisters, Gramps, (I just love him), and everyone else. Bring a treat for Duke, saddle up and let’s have a drink or three while we find out what’s next!

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Review: Fresh Alaska Cookbook

Fresh Alaska Cookbook by Robert Kineen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I live in Alaska. I enjoyed this cookbook. The author tells a bit about the culture of Natives making this more than just a cookbook. The recipes have a range on cooking skill. Some I found very easy, a few a bit more difficult. The ingredients were easy for me to find. Outside of Alaska, I’m not certain you can easily locate them. In some recipes he mentions a substitute, such as using game sausage or chorizo in place of reindeer. While I’m sure Santa is happy, if it is possible, use the reindeer because that is just delicious. B

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Review: Christmas Candi: A Guide to Year-round Holiday Bliss

Christmas Candi: A Guide to Year-round Holiday Bliss by Candice Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has some wonderful ideas about how to de-stress Christmas. It concentrates on Halloween - New Year but has great ideas that can be used year round. There is a gift guide and some recipes to help you plan things along with entertaining ideas. The author also makes the case for keeping the spirit of Christmas alive all year. I have no problem with this. I love Christmas and have been known to celebrate Christmas Spirit Days throughout the year. I am thinking of gifting this book to young adults. As they start out in their own homes, I’m certain, they will find some helpful ideas on celebrating at home in addition to celebrating at family homes. I especially loved the inclusion of artwork by the author’s children.

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Review: Death is Coming to Town

Death is Coming to Town by Eleanor Cawood Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this collection of mysteries. The stories were quick reads. Most of the people were likable even though these were quick reads. I thought about which was my favorite and discovered that I couldn’t pick one. Surprisingly, I truly enjoyed every one. I haven’t read anything else by this author but I think I would like to.

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Review: A Very Merry Witchmas

A Very Merry Witchmas by Ani Gonzalez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I probably should have started with book 1. That is what I would recommend to anyone who is looking at this book and hasn’t read the series. I read it as part of my Christmas reading. I enjoyed the book. I was surprised by it. It was more than I expected. However I did wish I had started it at the beginning. I will now have to do that as I did enjoy it. My recommendation is read it but in the order of the series.

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Review: Skipping Christmas

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Delightful Christmas story. The movie Christmas with the Kranks was made from this book. This is one of the few book/movie combos where I enjoyed the movie more. The ending felt rushed, which kind of makes sense as once Blair calls the day becomes extremely rushed. This is where I feel the movie was better. The book is definitely worth reading though, especially during the holiday season. It contains a good message on how much we tend to spend on Christmas and, more importantly, why we do it. There are some good laughs and a few heartwarming moments. A good Christmas book.

December 20, 2018 I listened to the Audible version. I loved it! Oddly, listening to it, I did not feel the ending was rushed as I did when reading it myself. I guess the narrator was better than my voice. It was a joy to listen to and I plan to listen again next Christmas.

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Review: The Caller

The Caller by Dan Krzyzkowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was holding my breath so often while reading this! A few times I found myself with tears on my face. I was so drawn into the story. I read it in one sitting over night. It kept me on edge with a twist I didn’t see coming. I would recommend it.

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Review: A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I cherish A Christmas Carol. I have read this book so many times over the years. It is my Christmas favorite. This Audible addition with Tim Curry as narrator was awesome! He did a fabulous job bringing the tale to life. I will be listening to this again and again. I recommend this version.

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Review: Christmas on a Mission

Christmas on a Mission by Hannah R. Conway
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this story of healing and love. Kindness is always needed and a welcome gift.

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Review: Sleigh Bells and Sleuthing: A Collection of 16 Cozy Mystery Novellas Featuring Female Sleuths

Sleigh Bells and Sleuthing: A Collection of 16 Cozy Mystery Novellas Featuring Female Sleuths by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this Christmas collection! It has stories from some of my favorite authors and a few from new to me authors. With 16 stories there is something for everyone to enjoy. The fact that proceeds go to charity sweetens the deal. I’m happy with it. I can share the collection with younger teen readers in my family making this a wonderful addition to our Christmas cheer notebook. *Our Christmas cheer notebook is a small book that list the Christmas books we feel are good anytime of the year.*

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